Forage Feeder Box for Single Animal Cages

Mark Murchison

Regional Primate Research Center, University of Washington

Introduction

A primary aim of environmental enrichment for laboratory-housed nonhuman
primates is to create a stimulating living space that promotes
species-typical activities. Several studies have explored the dynamics of
social housing, the introduction of play devices and perch space, and the
promotion of foraging (e.g., O'Neill, 1988, Reinhardt, 1990, Bayne et al.,
1992). The objective of these enrichment schemes is to increase the animals'
activity while decreasing their idle time.

Approximately 85% of the nonhuman primates at the Univ. of Washington's
Primate Field Station are housed in multi-animal social groups. The remainder
are housed individually for medical or research reasons. A forage feeder box
was designed and built to replace the existing standard feeders on
single-animal cages. This report compares use of the standard and forage
feeders.

Materials and Methods

Twenty young adult pig-tail macaques (Macaca nemestrina) were
used to test the feeders. One group consisted of 10 nulliparous females
(mean age, 4.6 yrs). The other 10 were dams (mean age, 5.2 yrs) with infants
(mean age, 0.32 yrs). The animals were moved into the test cage three days
before testing began. The cages were Seattle-design (Suburban Surgical,
Wheeling, IL) Group III (4.3 ft2 floor area) cages with standard feeder, side
gates, perch, and toy. The standard feeder on these cages has a single
circular opening, 5 cm in diameter (Figure 1). On the first day of
testing all monkey chow (Purina) was removed from the standard feeder and cage
at 0900 hr. At 1400 hr the standard feeder was filled with 40 whole monkey
chow biscuits. Video recording began immediately after the feeder was
filled. The video camera was placed behind and to the left of the cage,
providing a view of the animal as it removed food from the feeder. The animals'
actions were recorded until 1500 hr. At that time the number of biscuits in
the cage was noted, and if necessary a known number was added to the
feeder. On the following morning at 0700 hr the number of biscuits in the
feeder and cage, and on the floor beneath the cage, was recorded. At 0900 hr
all food in the cage was removed and the standard feeder was replaced with the
forage feeder. The forage feeder was the same design as the standard feeder,
but with four smaller circular openings, each 3 cm in diameter (Figure
1). At 1400 the forage feeder was filled with 40 whole biscuits and
recording was done as above.

The animals' foraging time was collected from the video recordings, using an
event program, EVENT-PC (J. C. Ha, Univ. of Washington). Foraging was
defined as the animal actively using its hands, teeth, or feet to remove
biscuits from a feeder. Foraging time was recorded from the time the animal
first contacted the feeder until it removed a biscuit, or until it no longer
was in contact with the feeder. An analysis of variance was used to test
group means and variances for food consumption and foraging time by feeder
type (SYSTAT, 1992).

Results and Discussion

The food consumption results (Table 1) show that the animals
learned to remove biscuits from the forage feeder and sustained normal food
consumption. There were no differences between the standard and forage
feeders in number of biscuits fed and consumed. Dams with infants ate
more than nulliparous females, but the infants were not observed consuming
the biscuits. Differences between the feeder boxes were revealed by what the
animals did with the biscuits after they removed them from the feeders. When
the animals were using the standard feeder they left significantly more
biscuits in the cage (F-ratio: 9.40; P > 0.01) and slightly more
biscuits on the floor beneath the cage (not statistically significant).
Conversely, when the animals used the forage feeder they left significantly
more biscuits in the forage feeder (F-ratio: 11.41; P > 0.01) rather
than in the cage or beneath the cage on the floor (Table 1).

The amount of time the animals spent foraging revealed obvious differences
between the boxes (Table 1). When the animals used the forage feeder
they spent significantly more time (F-ratio: 33.49; P > 0.01) foraging
for biscuits compared to the standard feeder.

This foraging process required the animals to spend more time and to use
their foraging skills to retrieve their basic diet. As in previous studies
(Murchison, 1994; Reinhardt, 1994), the animals consumed most of the food they
took from the forage feeder, wasting few biscuits and leaving the remaining
biscuits in the feeder (Table 1). The amount of time the animals spent
foraging differed greatly between the feeder types. The animals spent nearly 8
times more time foraging when using the forage feeder compared to the standard
feeder (Table 1).

By using a forage feeder on primate cages, caregivers can comply with
regulations promoting species-typical activities (USDA, 1991) with no
increase in caretaking time, and with the potential of reducing food waste.
The forage feeder requires no special cleaning, but can be sanitized along
with the cage.

The author would like to thank Dr. Darrell Williams for his steadfast
support of environmental enrichment at the Primate Field Station. Through his
direction and support of the enrichment program, he has inspired the staff
to provide the highest quality animal care. The author gratefully
acknowledges David Cutler for construction of the forage feeder and Dr.
Bill Cummins and Dr. Laura Newell-Morris for their review of this
manuscript. This research was supported by NIH grant RR00166.

* * *

Chimpanzees in AIDS Research

Chimpanzees have been found to be the only readily available nonhuman
primates which are highly susceptible to HIV-1 infection. On August 8-9,
1992, a group of scientists representing animal welfare and AIDS research
interests met at TNO in Rijswijk, The Netherlands, to discuss issues
concerning the use of chimpanzees in AIDS research, in the light of recent
developments. An article, "Chimpanzees in AIDS Research: A Biomedical and
Bioethical Perspective," by R. van Akker, M. Balls, J. W. Eichberg, J.
Goodall, J. L. Heeney, A. D. M. E. Osterhaus, A. M. Prince, and I. Spruit, was
printed in the Journal of Medical Primatology (1994, 23[1],
49-51). This is a synopsis of that article.

Utilization: Vaccine development : Physiological safety tests can,
in all except the rarest of circumstances, be conducted in other animals,
including nonhuman primates. Immunogenicity determination with candidate
vaccines which have been shown to be safe usually can be carried out in
man. An exception would be tests on recombinant viral vectors carrying HIV
genetic material, or attenuated strains of HIV, the safety of which could
only be appropriately studied in the chimpanzee. For protective efficacy
tests, chimpanzees offer the advantage that live virus challenges can be
carried out, thus providing a preliminary estimate of efficacy by using a
small number of animals, without requiring a large human vaccine trial.

When high-risk human populations suitable for vaccine trials are
identified, it may be possible to simultaneously evaluate multiple vaccine
candidates in such populations directly. Such tests would also provide
assessment of protection against natural routes of transmission.

Passive immunization : Passive immunization studies directed toward
the prevention of maternal-infant transmission or protection against
accidental percutaneous exposures differ from vaccine studies, in that
chimpanzees are necessary for preliminary safety evaluation. These studies
will be likely to also involve monoclonal antibodies, the safety of which
needs to be established. As HIV stocks titrated by subcutaneous or
intradermal routes are not available, the chimpanzee model cannot be used at
present to evaluate percutaneous exposure prophylaxis. Furthermore, it is
not presently practical to carry out large scale studies on the prevention
of maternal-infant transmission in chimpanzees, thus efficacy tests of
passive immunization must be carried out mainly in man. Such studies are in
progress.

Therapy : The use of chimpanzees already infected with HIV for
evaluation of approaches to therapy is possible, since about 150 such animals
already exist. No additional animals should be infected solely for use in such
studies. Furthermore, there is no shortage of human subjects for such
investigations.

Pathogenesis studies : As numerous HIV-infected chimpanzees are
already available, no new infections should be initiated for this purpose.

Virus titrations : It will be important to challenge chimpanzees
which have resisted challenge with the current prototype vaccine strain,
HIV/Lai, with different strains prevalent in human populations. At present,
this is not possible since only HIV/Lai (IIIb) has been titrated in
chimpanzees. The additional titration of prototype HIV stocks is desirable
and is in progress.

Alternatives to HIV-1 studies in chimpanzees : One widely used
approach is the SIV-macaque model. It has recently been reported that
Macaca nemestrina are susceptible to HIV-1 infection at high
challenge doses. The use of monkeys may accelerate research, and may also
obviate the need for the involvement of chimpanzees in certain experiments.
However, the welfare and social needs of other primates must also be
considered. Unnecessarily large numbers should not be used, caging of
adequate size must be provided, and group housing should be used whenever
possible.

Appropriate conditions for chimpanzees during and after
experiments : Whenever possible, chimpanzees must be housed at least
in pairs, or larger groups. The fact that HIV is rarely, if ever, transmitted
between animals caged together supports the practicality of such a policy.
Cages should be of a size sufficient to permit exercise and normal play
behavior, and a variety of enrichment articles should be provided to avoid
boredom and facilitate recreation. The housing of chimpanzees involved in AIDS
research singly in isolator cages which deny social interaction and
companionship, as well as social interaction with human care-givers, is both
unnecessary and unethical.

Retirement : It is now generally accepted that chimpanzees must
be retired at the end of their involvement in research, to live under
conditions which provide for their social and psychological wellbeing,
for the remainder of their 40-50 year life span. For this reason, no
experiment should be carried out unless the supporting agency has guaranteed
to provide the funds necessary for such retirement. Such funds must be
kept in a secure annuity account. At present, approximately $30,000-$60,000
per chimpanzee are standard charges for this purpose.

The provision of more dedicated retirement facilities is a matter of great
urgency. They should be as free-ranging as possible, should provide access to
the outdoors, and should include a relatively large group of resocialized
animals. Retirement facilities can be open to public view, as long as their
design prevents any possibility of animal escape or inadvertent exposure of
viewers to the risk of being bitten. Such facilities can convey an important
message to the public concerning the ethical responsibility of the medical
research community.

Summary : The use of chimpanzees and other primates in AIDS
research, in the light of the horror of the AIDS epidemic, seems to be
unarguable. However, certain studies can be better carried out in other
animals or in man. Chimpanzee studies should be limited only to those for
which there is no available alternative and should involve no more suffering
than is caused by giving injections and collecting blood samples. No
research should be carried out with chimpanzees unless financial support for
life-long retirement is guaranteed.

* * *

Ivan Gorilla Moves to Atlanta

Kyle Burks

Georgia Institute of Technology

In the last issue of this Newsletter, Jane Dewar wrote that Ivan
was preparing for his move from Tacoma, WA to Zoo Atlanta. On 11 July 1994,
Ivan underwent a physical exam supervised by Dr. Janis Joslin, Senior
Veterinarian for Woodland Park Zoo. The exam was attended by Ivan's
veterinarian and Zoo Atlanta's veterinarian Dr. Rita McManamon, as well as a
large team of medical, veterinary and dental consultants. Ivan began the Tacoma
half of a six-month quarantine period that same day.

Zoo Atlanta staff members were present for the entire quarantine period.
Veterinary staff, primate keeper staff, and I all took turns spending as much
time with Ivan as possible in order to make his transition as smooth as we
could. My job was to monitor Ivan's behavior for two months, as we all
felt that quantitative behavioral assessments were needed to provide a
baseline both for management purposes and just because Ivan is such an
interesting animal.

Ivan adjusted to all of the new faces and the quarantine procedures
marvelously. In mid-August, staff of the Point Defiance Zoo attached a
transportation crate to Ivan's exhibit and he was given free access to it. One
week later, we began crate training and Ivan surprised us by immediately
spending much of his time inside the crate. If we weren't around to reward him
for entering, he would often knock on the door to get our attention! We
successfully closed Ivan inside the crate on several occasions before his
move. Since he remained relatively calm each time, we felt confident that
he would be comfortable during transport (as long as the goodies didn't run
out!).

At noon on 11 October 1994, Ivan was locked in his crate for the last
time and taken by truck to SeaTac International Airport. At 1815, he
was treated to a complimentary flight aboard Emery Air Freight to Atlanta,
accompanied by Drs. McManamon and Joslin, and his keeper of 10 years, Tonya
Hill. He arrived in Atlanta at 0700 on 12 October. He was brought by truck
to the zoo and immediately released into the quarantine suite adjacent to our
gorilla holding facility. Aside from a few stiff muscles, Ivan made the trip
well, and began exploring his new home.

Ivan's keepers, Tonya Hill and Joyce Barr, spent the first 10 days in
Atlanta with the big guy and were pleased with his adjustment and our
facility. We brought some of Ivan's toys with us (a cargo net, tire,
frisbee and tennis shoe), and he was given a new Boomer Ball by our staff.

Our quarantine facility was designed to eventually allow Ivan visual and
auditory access to our other gorillas through a clear, sealed Lexan plate.
Although Ivan has yet to see any of our other gorillas, he does spend time
watching and meeting members of our primate staff through this window, which
is open for much of the day.

Ivan has remained playful (he solicits play, responds to our solicitations
and plays alone), is quite vocal, eats well, and in general displays quite
normal silverback gorilla behaviors. We have also continued teaching him to
approach and touch a "target," and have built a pipe feeder where he can
"fish" for peanut butter and yogurt. He is scheduled to move into our
gorilla-holding facility in mid-January, when his socialization will begin in
earnest. The plan is to follow a procedure which we used to successfully
socialize Willie B., a male who had been housed solitarily for 27 years.
The process is gradual and any progress is driven by the animal's behavior.
All we will do is provide Ivan with the opportunity to be social; in the end
it will be up to him.

Primate Predation Questionnaire

Robert W. Sussman and his student, Donna L. Hart, of the Primate Biology
Program, Department of Anthropology, Washington University, are attempting
to contact as many primatologists and predator researchers as possible
with the following questionnaire which will be used to conduct a survey
dealing with predation on primates. In addition, the information
collected from the questionnaires will form a portion of the data used in Ms
Hart's Ph.D. dissertation. "Your input will be acknowledged and results of
the survey will be available in the form of a future paper. We look forward to
receiving your completed questionnaire along with any information you may
have about unanalyzed collections. Thank you for your contribution toward
this study."

The questionnaire is designed to gather information on one species at one
site; however, data collected over many years of research may be combined on
a single questionnaire. If you have studied more than one primate species at
one site or many primate species at many sites, please answer so that each
primate species at each site is dealt with on a separate questionnaire .
Please return to: Donna Hart, Dept of Anthropology, Washington Univ.,
Campus Box 1114, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899 [e-mail:
dhart@artsci.wustl.edu].

1. Primate species:

2. Study site:

3. Were other researchers concurrently studying the same population
of primates? (Yes) (No)

7. Number of animals in your study group (give average figure over
research period)?

Number of animals in population containing your study group
(give average figure over research period)?

8. Has there been an attempt/intent to document or estimate
predation? (Yes) (No)

9. List predator species actually observed (by you or other
researchers) preying upon or known to have killed individuals in
your study population, (indicate most important predators). Please give
specific and common names; include dogs, people, and any other
"unnatural" predators:

l0. List predator species, other than those above, suspected to
have killed individuals in your study population (indicate most
important species):

11. List predator species that are present but appear not to
be important predators. Include only species that might reasonably
be expected to kill primates:

Regarding another aspect of research on primates as prey, we are
looking for unanalyzed fecal samples or nest debris from field research carried
out on carnivores and raptors. If you have such samples, we would be
interested in having the opportunity to visit your facility and undertake
an analysis to determine the presence of primate remains in the
collection.

* * *

Warren Kinzey

Dr. Warren Kinzey passed away on October 1 of this year at his home in
Tarrytown, NY. He will be remembered and missed by many.

He was one of the early career physical anthropologists, receiving his
doctorate at UC Berkeley in 1964. Warren not only conducted pioneering
research in primatology, but also inspired and guided many students and
colleagues in their research. His scholarly activities included over 100
research and review articles and two books, the last completed only months
before his death while he was already very ill, a tremendous accomplishment.
He was one of the few primatologists who realized early the importance of
correlating laboratory and museum research with data on primates in their
natural habitats. His groundbreaking 1965 symposium, "Primate Locomotion," on
an area of Primatology then in its fledgling stages, will be commemorated
with a 30th anniversary conference on the same topic next year. His most
recent work concerned the dietary adaptations of a little-known group of New
World monkeys, the sakis (uakaris).

His role as a mentor is difficult to separate from that as a friend.
The two strongest memories I have of him concern the time and guidance he gave
his graduate students, and the way he so obviously enjoyed their company. He
encouraged the creativity of his students, and had complete faith in their
ability not only to succeed, but to excel. Warren Kinzey, for many of
us, provided the roots of our interests and beginnings in primatology, and
his branches spread far. His influence continues to be felt. Part of him
exists in many of us, and will be passed on to future generations of
primatologists, our students... Warren's students, really.

The Warren Kinzey Fund has been set up to support field work by graduate
students. Contributions may be sent to the Ph.D. Program in Anthropology,
CUNY Graduate Center, 33 West 42 Street, New York, NY 10036. Please make
checks payable to CUNY Graduate School/Warren G. Kinzey Fund. -- Suzanne
E. Walker, California State University, Sacramento

* * *

News Briefs

Gorilla Twins

Twin male lowland gorillas were born at the Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation
Park on 8 August. The parents are 35-year-old Tiny Tim, on breeding loan from
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and 22-year-old Pattycake of the Bronx Zoo. This is
the sixth known captive birth of western lowland gorilla twins. Tim's
SSP-recommended move to New York was the subject of controversy and a court
dispute in 1991 when animal rights activists attempted to stop Tim's transfer
to New York. Tim has sired four offspring at the Bronx Zoo to date. The
first, a male, Okpara, was born to Pattycake on 11 July 1993; and the
second, a female not yet named, was born to Tunko on 11 July 1994. --
From the October issue of Communique, a magazine of the American Zoo
and Aquarium Association, quoted on primate-talk by Sue Woods

Gorilla Death in Rwanda

H. Dieter Steklis, of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, reported on
primate-talk that the terrible war in Rwanda, which has taken so many human
lives, has claimed its first lowland gorilla. "About three weeks ago,
one of our Karisoke workers sent me a fax stating that he had heard two
gorillas had gotten killed either by a landmine or shooting. Many phone
calls to Rwanda revealed on December 10 that a lone silverback had stepped on
a landmine near Lake Ngezi (the north side of Visoke). This is all I've been
able to learn about this incident, but I hope to learn more when I go out to
Rwanda this January." This incident indicates that portions of the Park
have been mined again since April, making it unsafe for both gorillas and
people.

Orangutan Heart Surgery

Details of the repair of an atrial septal defect were reported in the
August 28 San Diego Union-Tribune . The open heart procedure utilized a
pericardial patch to close an 18 mm septal defect in Karen, a two-year-old
orangutan at the San Diego Zoo. A surgical team headed by Dr. Stuart
Jamieson, of the University of California, San Diego Medical Center,
performed the surgery at the zoo's Jennings Center for Zoological Medicine.
The surgical procedure went smoothly and the orangutan was managed
post-operatively by zoo veterinary staff and UCSD medical personnel. UCSD
and the SDZ have a long history of collaborative clinical, training and
research activities.

The Union-Tribune article is subtitled "Science Returns Favor to the
Animal Kingdom," and notes, "The benefits of modern technology played out
in full circle for Karen. Surgeons noted that the procedure they used on
her was perfected on monkeys before it was even attempted on humans." The
San Diego Zoo is planning a program of allowing some of their education
animals to meet with UCSD patients as a further development of the
relationship between the institutions.-- Posted on primate-talk by
Phil Robinson

Tonkin Snubnosed Monkey Reserve

The Tonkin snubnose monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus), which occurs
only in Vietnam, is one of the world's most threatened primate species. It
is estimated that the total population may number fewer than 200 animals.
Most occur in the Na Hang district of Tuyen Quang province. During
March/April 1994 a team of scientists visited Na Hang to evaluate the
feasibility of establishing a protected area in the extreme south-east corner
of Na Hang district and to identify problems of reserve development.
Principal threats to the biological resources of this reserve include hunting
and vegetation clearance for agriculture. An effort has been made by the
Provincial authorities to introduce a voluntary ban on the killing of snubnose
monkeys for food but this has not been effective. Any effective conservation
management must aim to reduce the human pressures on the reserve through
programs designed to assist in improving living standards and income
generation opportunities for local communities. This is widely recognized by
those involved in the development of Vietnam's protected area system but for a
variety of reasons (mostly financial and demographic) it has thus far proved
almost impossible to translate this concept into results. -- Reported by
Vern Weitzel

Sanctions Imposed on Worldwide Primates

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this summer ordered unspecified
sanctions imposed on Worldwide Primates, Inc. for filing a groundless
suit against one of its most vocal critics, Dr. Shirley McGreal of the
International Primate Protection League (IPPL). Matthew Block, the
president of Worldwide, was convicted in connection with an orangutan
smuggling scheme that was uncovered by the IPPL.

* * *

NSF Update

Ronald J. Barfield and Alan C. Kamil are working together as Acting Program
Directors for Animal Behavior, on a part-time basis. Fred Stollnitz is
spending his sabbatical as Senior Visiting Research Scientist at the National
Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution.

NSF has many programs of interest to primatologists. A partial list follows,
with program officers' names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers (Area Code
703). The general NSF "Grant Proposal Guide" (NSF 94-2) should be followed
for all programs. Some programs have additional guidelines, available from
NSF or your research office: publication numbers are listed below.

The Physical Anthropology Program has July 1 and Dec. 1 target dates
for regular research proposals (NSF 94-64); dissertation research
proposals (NSF 92-114) may be submitted at any time (Jonathan Friedlaender,
jfriedla@nsf.gov, 306-1758).

The Animal Developmental Mechanisms Program has June 1 and Dec. 1 target
dates, and usually does not consider dissertation research proposals (Karen
Bennett, kbennett@nsf.gov, 306-1417).

The Integrative Animal Biology Program has June 15 and Dec. 15 target dates,
and usually does not consider dissertation research proposals (Elvira Doman,
edoman@nsf.gov, 306-1421).

All NSF programs consider proposals for Research in Undergraduate
Institutions (NSF 94-79), including faculty research projects, research
instrumentation grants (reviewed on the same schedule as research proposals
in the disciplinary programs of NSF), and Research Opportunity Awards for
faculty members (no deadline or target date).

You can get information fast through NSF's electronic dissemination system,
the Science and Technology Information System, described in NSF 94-4, "STIS
flyer." The flyer is reproduced in many NSF publications; for an
electronic copy, send an e-mail message to stisfly@nsf.gov.
Electronic versions of NSF publications may be obtained by sending a
message in the form of "get nsf942" to stisserv@nsf.gov. Research offices at
most institutions have copies of NSF publications. The NSF mailing address is
4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22230.

Workshop Announcement: Humane Care and Use

The National Institutes of Health, Office for Protection from Research
Risks is continuing to sponsor workshops on implementing the Public Health
Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The workshops are
open to institutional administrators, members of Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committees, laboratory animal veterinarians, investigators and other
institutional staff who have responsibility for high-quality management of
sound institutional animal care and use programs. Ample opportunities will
be provided to exchange ideas and interests through question and answer
sessions and informal discussions.

A workshop titled Animal Care and Research: Challenges and Changes for the
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee will be held March 12-14, 1995 at
the San Diego Princess Hotel, co-sponsored by the Tufts University School of
Veterinary Medicine. The Workshop will focus on revisions to the
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook; assessment and
reduction of pain and distress in animal research; occupational health
risks and biohazards; and a host of other regulatory and administrative
issues that are central to the successful operation of laboratory animal
care and research programs. For registration, contact Ms. Danielle Demko,
Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research, 132 Boylston St,
Boston, MA 02116 [617-423-4112; FAX: 617-423-1185].

Immediately preceding this workshop, Applied Research Ethics National
Association (ARENA) will sponsor its annual animal issues meeting on
Sunday, March 12, at the same hotel.

Research Opportunity: Cynomolgus Monkeys in the Philippines

Amo Farm, located on the island of Panay in the Philippines, is a licensed
breeder of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). The facility
welcomes scientists and organizations which would like to conduct primate
studies and breeding programs, at cost. For complete information, contact Jan
Vacek, Amo Farm, 1801-35 Fountainhead, North York, Ontario, Canada M3J 2V7.

* * *

Educational Opportunities

Apprenticeship at Central Washington

The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute at Central
Washington University is offering a 10-week Summer Apprenticeship June 19
through August 25, 1995. The focus of the apprenticeship will be Project
Washoe, which began in 1966. It presently involves the study of a group of
five chimpanzees who have acquired the signs of American Sign Language. The
apprentices will have the opportunity to take part in and be trained in all
the major aspects of an active chimpanzee behavioral research institute,
including: * Training and participation in the care and enrichment of
captive chimpanzees. * Training and participation in observational
research studies. Apprentices wishing to participate in the sign language
studies and in sign language interactions with the chimpanzees must have
completed at least one course in American Sign Language. Others can do
observational research that does not include interacting with the
chimpanzees.

Tuition for the 10 week program is $1000, not including housing.
University housing is available. The deadline for submitting applications is
May 15, 1995. For more information, contact CHCI, Central Washington
University, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7573 Attn: Summer Apprenticeship Program
[e-mail: chimplab@cwu.edu].

Scholarships: Research on Aging

The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) and the Glenn
Foundation offer up to 15 scholarships in 1995 for PhD and medical students
to undertake a 3-month research project on any subject related to the
basic sciences and aging. Examples of promising areas of research include *
optimal nutrition * longevity determinant genes * vascular changes with
aging/interventions. The research project must be conducted under the
supervision of a faculty mentor, and may be carried out in any
not-for-profit setting. Each scholarship carries an award of $5500, of which
$4000 will go to the student for personal expenses and $1500 will go to the
mentor to cover the cost of secretarial support and supervision. For more
information and application forms, contact AFAR, 1414 Sixth Ave, New York, NY
10019 [212-752-2327; FAX: 212-832-2298]. The deadline for receipt of
applications and all supporting materials is February 24, 1995.

Field Assistants, Cayo Santiago

Field assistants are needed to collect behavioral data and to conduct
playback trials on free-ranging rhesus macaques in Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico,
January to August 1995. Field experience is preferred but not required.
Serious, dedicated students who are willing to work long hours under
difficult conditions are welcome. The "pay" will be extensive training in
observational and experimental data collection techniques, and some access to
the data collected for use in your own independent projects. No funding will be
provided. Send cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation to
Katherine Hardy, P.O. Box 440, Punta Santiago, PR 00741. Please include
mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address if you have one.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Degree in Animals & Public Policy

The Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy plans to offer a one-year
Masters (MS), starting in the fall of 1995 if sufficient qualified persons
apply. Applicants must either have a graduate degree already or a bachelor's
degree and "equivalent life experience". The course of study will consist of
three required courses (Society and Animals, Quantitative Methods, Qualitative
Methods, a thesis, and four tutorial courses chosen from a variety of options.
There will probably be four possible "tracks:" on issues,
shelter/companion animals, animal-assisted therapy, and wildlife. At the
end of the course of study, graduates should have a broad base of knowledge
of animals and society and animal protection issues, an ability to assess
both the quantitative and qualitative methodological rigor of reports and
projects, and an ability to design, carry out and write up a research project.
In addition, graduates should gain an appreciation of the role facts and
values play in the debate over animals in society and how one might address
relevant facts and values in a public policy context.

Positions Available

Staff Scientist, Puerto Rico

The Caribbean Primate Research Center (CPRC) is recruiting an additional
Ph.D. for a Staff Scientist position starting on 1 July 1995, pending
approval of funding. Applicants should have field research experience on
the behavior and ecology of free-ranging monkeys. The successful candidate
will be expected to develop an independent research program, assist the
Scientist-in-Charge at the rhesus monkey colony on Cayo Santiago, and develop
a field study site for the free-ranging patas monkeys of the Sierra Bermejas
in Puerto Rico. Active involvement with other scientific and professional
staff in development and implementation of an introductory primatology course,
a CPRC-sponsored field school, and a graduate program in primatology at the
University of Puerto Rico wil also be expected. Knowledge of Spanish is
helpful but not a requirement. It is anticipated that the salary will be at
the level of Instructor (approximately $31,000/year plus fringe benefits).

Please send a letter of interest with curriculum vitae and the names of
three references to: Dr. Matt J. Kessler, Director, Caribbean Primate Research
Center, P.O. Box 1053, Sabana Seca, PR 00952-1053. The University of Puerto
Rico is an equal-opportunity employer.

Director, Karisoke Research Center

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is seeking a new Director for the Karisoke
Research Center, Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda, Africa. The Fund continues
the study and conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitat started by
the late Dr. Dian Fossey in 1967. The Director will coordinate all
conservation and research activities based at the center and supervises a
Rwandan staff of 31 employees. A Ph.D. and fluent French are required;
Swahili would be helpful.

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) seeks a resident
postdoctoral candidate to complement the research of and work with one or more
members of its staff for one year beginning summer, 1995. This position offered
under the auspices of the New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology
(NYCEP), a graduate training program in all aspects of the behavioral and
evolutionary biology of primates, and is funded by an NSF Research Training
Grant. The NYCEP faculty includes 25 researchers drawn from the AMNH,
City University of New York, Columbia University, New York University, and
the Wildlife Conservation Society. NYCEP faculty at the AMNH (Eric Delson,
Rob DeSalle, Ross MacPhee, Michael Novacek, Ian Tattersall, John Van Couvering
and Ward Wheeler) undertake research in primate (including human) paleontology
and systematics, biochronology, comparative and functional morphology, and
molecular systematics and evolution. NSF limits eligibility to US citizens,
nationals, and permanent residents; minority candidates are especially
encouraged to apply. For more information and application forms, contact
Dr. E. Delson, Dept of Vertebrate Paleontology, AMNH, New York, NY 10024.
All contact with him or other faculty should be by mail. Postmark applications
by January 15, 1995. AMNH & NYCEP are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employers.

Postdoc in Animal Behavior

The Zoological Society of San Diego announces the J. Dallas Clark
Postdoctorate in Animal Behavior, to investigate effects of captive living
on mating behavior and reproduction in solitary mammals. The position will
involve archival analyses and observational studies under semifree-ranging
conditions. Candidates must be willing to spend up to 6 months in a third world
country. This is a two-year position, with third-year renewal optional. The
starting date is no later than March 15, 1995. The stipend will be $25,000 for
12 months. Interested applicants should send a C.V., a statement
regarding current and future research interests, and names of three
references by January 25, 1995 to Postdoctoral Search Committee, Center for
Reproduction of Endangered Species, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112. Equal
Opportunity Employer.

University College London

Applications are invited by the Department of Anthropology, University
College London for a newly established Chair of Biological Anthropology,
tenable from 1 September 1995. The successful candidate will be an
established scholar with a proven research record in the general areas of
evolutionary biology and/or evolutionary ecology with a focus on primates
and/or humans. Specific research interests should complement existing
strengths in the Department, which include human evolution, human ecology
and resource use, demography and nutrition. The new Chair holder will be
expected to provide leadership in the continued development of innovative
teaching and research in Biological Anthropology at UCL and also to assume an
active leadership role in the UCL-based interdepartmental Centre for Ecology
and Evolution.

For more information, contact Dr. L. C. Aiello, Dept of Anthropology,
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK [+44 71 380-7037;
FAX: +44 71380-7728; e-mail: L.Aiello@ucl.ac.uk]. Applications, including a
full CV (ten copies for UK candidates, one copy for overseas candidates) and
details of three referees (including at least one from overseas) should be
addressed to the Provost, University College London, Gower Street, London
WC1E 6BT, UK. The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 31
January 1995. Salary is negotiable within the professorial range. Working
Towards Equal Opportunity.

* * *

Resources Requested or Available

Primate By-products

Dr. Mike Collins at the University of Wisconsin is trying to isolate
mycobacteria from fecal samples of primates with and without diarrhea. He
welcomes submission of fecal samples and will attempt isolation of
mycobacteria at no charge. Of greatest interest are samples from primates with
chronic diarrhea and/or chronic colitis, and samples from their cagemates.

If you are willing to participate, please submit at least 3 gm of
fresh feces (about 1 tablespoon). Transport it to the laboratory
ASAP on ice or cold packs. Please provide the animal identification name or
number and species for each sample. Results will be sent by mail, but please
be patient. The mycobacteria he is trying to isolate are very slow-growing,
so no results will be available for at least 8 weeks after receipt of the
samples.

Tufts Veterinary School students have established and supported labs at
primate sanctuaries in Africa. Very few resources are available in these
countries and donations of equipment can make a huge difference in the
quality of life for both animals and people.

We are currently seeking surplus laboratory equipment to establish new labs
at other sanctuaries and to supplement the existing labs. The following is
a list of needed equipment but we could use just about any type of
laboratory equipment you can think of: microscopes (electric lighting and
mirror) computers (IBM or Macs) and printers; centrifuges (table top);
refrigerators (small); scales (electric and balance); glassware; restraint
equipment.

The Tufts Vet School is a non-profit organization and has tax exempt
status. We will pay all shipping costs. If you have any surplus equipment,
please contact Ellen Messner, International Dept, Tufts Veterinary School,
200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA 01536 [508-839-5395, ext. 4767;
e-mail: emessner@opal.tufts.edu].

Important Alert Regarding Incoming Mail

On June 22 and 23, 1993, two scientists were seriously injured by mail
bombs, the first at the University of California at San Francisco and the
second at Yale. On December 10, 1994, a similar bomb killed an advertising
executive in New Jersey. Federal officials believe the most recent bomb was
sent by the same person who has mounted a string of similar attacks since
1978, striking academics, computer professionals, and airlines personnel,
for the most part. It is still not known who the bomber is or why the bombs
were sent to those people.

We enclosed a letter in the July, 1993, issue of the LPN,
(32 [3]), since Brown and many other universities had sent warnings
to faculty and staff, urging them to exercise special caution in handling
incoming mail -- especially padded manila envelopes; packages that appear to
contain plastic boxes, copper tubing or batteries; or other parcels that
bear unfamiliar (or no) return addresses.

Routine precautions suggested are * Be wary of any unexpected mail large
enough to contain a box of matches. * Don't touch or move objects if you
don't know what they are. * Don't move a package away from people -- move
people away from the package. * Don't place a suspicious package near vital
equipment. * Don't investigate too closely. * Don't cover or insulate the item.
* Notify the local police and ask their advice. * Don't worry about appearing
silly!

A warning from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service was printed on the back
of the letter, and is reproduced here.

* * *

Information Requested and Available

Noldus News

Noldus Information Technology is publishing a free newsletter to "share
information about Noldus products and their applications in a nontechnical
format." Products include software and instrumentation for recording and
analyzing human and animal behavior, and an interactive video training course
for students in psychology or biology. To subscribe, write to Wineke Schoo,
Editor, Noldus Information Technology bv, Costerweg 5, P.O. Box 268, 6700
AG Wageningen, Netherlands [e-mail: noldus@rcl.wau.nl].

Primate Vocalization Recordings

The Wisconsin RPRC Library is seeking to augment their collection of
recorded primate vocalizations. Items in this important collection may be
borrowed for a nominal service fee, which is waived for one year for
contributors. For details on what material is needed, having copies made,
etc., contact Ray Hamel, Primate Center Library, 1220 Capitol Ct, Madison,
WI 53715-1299 [608-263-3512; fax: 608-263-4031; e-mail:
library@primate.wisc.edu].

African Primate Newsletter

A yet-unnamed newsletter for the African sub-group of the IUCN/SSC Primate
Specialist Group will be published and distributed by Zoo Atlanta, Kenya,
in collaboration with Conservation International, the National Museums of
Kenya, and the Kenya Inst. of Primate Research. It will be edited by Tom
Butynski (Zoo Atlanta, P.O. Box 24434, Nairobi, Kenya), and will be
distributed free of charge to all interested persons. Like Neotropical
Primates, Asian Primates, and Lemur News, it will provide research
findings, field survey results, job announcements, etc., and will depend on
its readership for much of the contents.

* * *

National Survey of Lab Animal Use

In January 1995, the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) of the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) will begin conducting the "National
Survey of Laboratory Animal Use, Facilities and Resources" at all
institutions receiving Public Health Service funding. This is the first
nationwide survey on laboratory animals in 15 years. The survey will be
released to the institutional official of record for OPRR assurances. In
order to maintain the security of the responses, the survey will be
confidential. Data requested includes information on the type of
organization, the species and numbers of animals used in the program, the
facilities, and personnel supporting the laboratories, and the costs of animal
care. A copy of the final report will be forwarded to each institution. The
survey is being performed by Advanced Resource Technologies, Inc.

During the survey response period, the staff of Advanced Resource
Technologies, Inc. will maintain a toll-free number to assist respondents
with any questions about the survey. The number is
1-800-NIH-2494.

Aggregate data reported from the survey will be used to characterize the
need for laboratory animals in the research community, the current
utilization of animals, and the impact of regulatory compliance. This
information will be of great importance to the NIH in determining animal
resource needs as they affect biomedical research, as well as the future
funding of laboratory animal programs, facilities construction, and
renovation projects. Your institution is strongly urged to participate in
the survey process, since the value of aggregate information rests on a
significant response from the PHS awardee institutions.

* * *

AwardNominations

ASP Conservation Committee

The Conservation Committee of the American Society of Primatologists is
seeking nominations for ASP Conservation Awards and Grants. An award
nomination is basically a letter of recommendation.

Subscription Award : provides the American Journal of
Primatology to worthy individuals in source countries who otherwise
would have little access to the scientific literature on nonhuman primates.
Preference is given to individuals who will make the AJP available in
a central place for colleagues to use. A nominating letter should describe
the nominee, his or her primate-related activities, and why the subscription is
needed.

Conservation Award ($500): provides recognition and financial
support for students and young investigators (not more than five years since
terminal degree) from source countries. Nominators should provide the name,
title, and full mailing address of the nominee, and a statement about the
nominee's qualifications for the award and contribution to primate
conservation.

Senior Biology and Conservation Award ($500 Honorarium):
recognizes an individual without an advanced degree who has made a substantial
contribution to conservation or related aspects of primatology a long period
(five years or more). Nominees may be animal caretakers, research
technicians, administrators, etc. Nominations should include a letter of
support detailing the nominee's qualifications and contributions to primate
biology and conservation.

Conservation Small Grant ($500): for conservation research or
education, or other projects. Primatologists working in source countries are
urged to apply or to help someone from a source country to do so. Grant
proposals must be typed in English, should not exceed 2000 words, and
should include a brief budget page. Recipients must agree that a brief
progress report will be made, in a form suitable for publication in the ASP
Bulletin, within 12 months of the award.

Arrangements are often made to have awards presented at public ceremonies by
senior officials or U.S. Ambassadors. For an account of one such presentation,
see the January, 1994 issue of this Newsletter (33[1], 22).
The deadline for submission of nominations and grant proposals is May 20, 1995.
They should be sent to Ramon J. Rhine, Psychology Dept, Univ. of California,
Riverside, CA 92521.

Rolex Awards for Enterprise

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise are given in the following categories:
Applied Sciences and Invention; Exploration and Discovery; and The
Environment. The winning projects will be judged on the basis of feasibility,
exceptional enterprise, and personal commitment. The five applicants whose work
is judged the most outstanding by the Selection Committee will receive $50,000
as 1996 Laureates. Ten Associate Laureates will receive $10,000 each.

For an application form, with a set of rules and conditions, contact The
Secretariat, The Rolex Awards for Enterprise, P.O. Box 1311, 1211 Geneva 26,
Switzerland. Completed applications must reach the Secretariat by March 31,
1995.

* * *

Awards Granted

SCAW Rowsell Award

The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) presented the second Harry
C. Rowsell Award to Franklin M. Loew, Dean of the Tufts University School of
Veterinary Medicine. Dr Loew has been particularly involved in contentious
issues such as the use of animals in research, the changing moral status of
animals, and what he calls the "urban prism" through which most North
Americans and Europeans now view domestic animals and wildlife.

The award is given in honor of Dr Rowsell, who is known for his
committment in fostering the dual goals of good science and the humane
treatment of animals.

Zoo Welfare Innovation

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), a scientific and
educational charity in the United Kingdom, presented this year's UFAW Zoo
Animal Welfare Innovation Award to Drusillas Zoo Park for their use of
bungee cords in their primate enclosure. This Innovation Award is given by
UFAW for a simple, inexpensive idea for a piece of equipment which improves
the welfare of the animals, and which can be easily copied in zoos
elsewhere.

The cord has been used as an alternative to normal rope to suspend feeding
containers, making meal times more of a challenge, and to suspend branches so
as to produce natural movement. Bungee cord has also been used indoors in a
criss-cross pattern, where it provides a balancing challenge. The award was
presented to Mr. Michael Ann, Zoo Director, on August 19, 1994. --
From the SCAW Newsletter, 1994, 16[3 ].

Defense of Freedom Award

Jan Moor-Jankowski, Director of the NYU Laboratory for Experimental Medicine
and Surgery in Primates, and Editor of The Journal of Medical
Primatology, has received the Libel Defense Resource Center's "William
J. Brennan, Jr. Defense of Freedom Award" for his "willingness to take a
stand on an important speech and ultimately libel-related issue," and his
"willingness to stand firm when others might well have retreated." The award
is named for Justice Brennan, "a Justice most identified for his commitment
to every individual's First Amendment rights." The Libel Defense Resource
Center is an organization of U.S. media and freedom of speech lawyers. The
award acknowledges Moor-Jankowski's seven-year legal battle and final victory
in a libel suit (see this Newsletter, 1989, 28[2], 17, and
1991, 30[3], 22 for some details about this case).

Society for Neuroscience

Dr. Frederick A. King, who retired in September as Director of the Yerkes
RPRC of Emory University, after 16 years in that position, has received the
"Presidential Award," from the Society of Neuroscience at its annual meeting in
Miami, FL, November 11. The award recognized Dr. King for "his dedicated
service to the neuroscience community." Dr. King now serves as Director
Emeritus of the Yerkes Center, Yerkes Research Professor of Neurobiology
and Vision, Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology in Emory's School of
Medicine, and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Emory.

* * *

Fyssen Foundation 1995-1996 Fellowships and 1995 International Prize

1993-1994 Fellowships

The Fyssen Foundation's aim is "to encourage all forms of scientific
inquiry into cognitive mechanisms, including thought and reasoning, underlying
animal and human behavior, their biological and cultural bases, and
phylogenetic and ontogenetic development." The Fyssen Foundation awards grants
of up to 120,000 French francs per year for the training and support of young
researchers working on topics compatible with the goals of the Foundation,
which wishes to support, particularly, research in such fields as:
Ethology and Psychology: Nature and development of the cognitive
processes in man and animals, both ontogenetic and phylogenetic.
Neurobiology: Neurobiological bases of cognitive processes, their
embryonic and post-natal development, and their elementary mechanisms.
Anthropology-Ethnology: a) Cognitive aspects of the
representations of natural and cultural environments; analysis of their
construction principles and transfer mechanisms. b) Analysis of
forms of social organization and their technological systems. Human
Paleontology : Origin and evolution of the human brain and human
artifacts.

Fellowships will be given to French scientists to work abroad and to
foreign scientists to work in French laboratories.

Application forms can be obtained from the Foundation, 194, rue de Rivoli,
75001 Paris, France. Deadline for receipt of applications by the Foundation
is February 28, 1995.

International Prize

An International Prize of 200,000 ff is awarded annually to a scientist who
has conducted distinguished research in the areas supported by the Foundation.
It was awarded to Professors A. Leroi-Gourhan (1980), W. H. Thorpe (1981),
V. B. Mountcastle (1982), H. C. Conklin (1983), R. W. Brown (1984), P.
Buser (1985), D. Pilbeam (1986), D. Premack (1987), J. C. Gardin (1988), P.
S. Goldman-Rakic (1989), J. Goody (1990), G. A. Miller (1991), P. Rakic
(1992), and L. L. Cavalli-Sforza (1993). The discipline considered for the
1995 prize is Ethology of Social Behavior. Nominations should be sent to the
Secretariat of the Foundation at the above address before September 1, 1995.

* * *

Travellers' Health Notes

Arenavirus Infection

On August 19, 1994, a virologist presented to the Tropical Medicine Clinic
at Yale-New Haven Hospital with a 4-day history of fever, malaise,
backache, stiff neck, and myalgias that he attributed to a recurrence of a
Plasmodium vivax infection. A history of a possible laboratory
exposure to Sabia virus was obtained, and the man was hospitalized for prompt
treatment with intravenous ribavirin, an antiviral drug that is effective
against other arenavirus infections such as Lassa fever.

On admission, the patient had a temperature of 103 F (39.4 C). Within
24 hours of hospitalization, his total WBC and platelet count had declined to
a low of 1400 cells/cubic millimeter and 92,000 cells/ cubic millimeter,
respectively. His alanine aminotransferase peaked at 128 U/L (upper limit
normal: 35 U/L) on the 9th day of hospitalization. No hemorrhagic
manifestations of the infection were observed during hospitalization. A
diagnosis of Sabia infection was confirmed on acute serum by amplification of
a portion of the viral genome by polymerase chain reaction and by isolation
of the virus from blood. The patient recovered and was discharged on August
26.

On August 8, the virologist was apparently exposed to an aerosol of Sabia
virus when a centrifuge bottle developed a crack, and tissue culture
supernatant containing the virus leaked into the high-speed centrifuge. At
the time of the incident, the virologist was working alone in the biosafety
level-3 laboratory (negative pressure with HEPA-filtered exhaust system).
He cleaned the spilled material from the centrifuge while wearing a gown,
surgical mask, and gloves.

Persons who came in contact with the patient or with his biological
specimens in the hospital laboratories since onset of his illness were notified
and enrolled in a surveillance program. None of these persons have had
exposure to the patient that would suggest a high risk for secondary
infection. As of August 31, none of the persons under surveillance had
reported a febrile illness.

Sabia virus was isolated by scientists in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1990 and
characterized by scientists in Belem, Brazil, and at the Yale Arbovirus
Research Unit (T. L. M. Coimbra, et al., 1994, Lancet, 343, 391-392).
Only two cases of Sabia virus infection (both in Brazil) have been
reported. One was a naturally acquired infection in an agricultural
engineer who was probably infected by exposure to an infected rodent (the
natural reservoir of other known arenaviruses). The engineer died
approximately 2 weeks after becoming ill. The second case was in a laboratory
technician who was working with the virus. He had a severe illness
characterized by 15 days of fever, chills, malaise, headache, generalized
myalgia, sore throat, conjunctivitis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric
pain, bleeding gums, and leukopenia. He recovered after hospitalization
and treatment with intravenous fluids.

Little is known about the modes of transmission of the Sabia virus. Based on
the pathogenesis of other arenaviruses, the Sabia virus is not believed to
be infectious until the patient exhibits symptoms. Other arenaviruses can be
transmitted by needle-stick but do not readily spread from person to person.
Persons in casual contact with persons with arenavirus infection are not at
risk for disease and do not require medical follow-up. -- From a report
in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1994, 43,
635-636 .

Surveillance for Imported Plague

Recent reports of bubonic and pneumonic plague outbreaks in India prompted
the New York City and State Departments of Health, in conjunction with CDC,
to develop an emergency response plan to detect and manage suspected cases
imported by international air travel. The staffs of international air
carriers were instructed to notify U.S. quarantine officials before landing
of passengers or crew with illness suggestive of plague. All passengers
arriving on direct flights from India were provided a plague alert notice that
described the symptoms of plague and urged them to seek medical attention if
they developed a febrile illness within 7 days of disembarkation.

Between September 27 and October 27, when the plague alert was terminated,
11 persons with suspected plague had been reported. All reported having
recently been in India; none were confirmed as having plague. One suspected
case was recognized by an airline crew member during flight; two by customs
officials in the airport; one by airline officials at check-in for a connecting
flight at a different airport. The rest were reported by hospital emergency
departments. Ten of the patients had clinical presentations that were not
consistent with pneumonic plague. One patient, who developed adult
respiratory distress syndrome and coma, required serologic and microbiologic
testing to rule out plague. The final diagnoses were viral syndrome (four
patients), malaria (three), concurrent malaria and dengue fever (one), typhoid
(one), liver disease (one), and no illness (one).

The evaluation of suspected plague cases in New York revealed limitations in
recognizing cases of disease only at the point of disembarkation. The
importance of obtaining a travel history when evaluating persons presenting
with fever was underscored by the detection of cases of dengue, malaria,
and typhoid. -- From Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,
1994, 43, 805-807 . Editors' Note: The Weekly Epidemiological
Record of 7 October (no. 40) reported a suspected bubonic plague outbreak
in Mozambique. To date, however no cases have been confirmed by laboratory
examination .

Sleeping Sickness

The World Health Organization reports an alarming increase in sleeping
sickness in sub-Sarahan Africa, where at least 250,000 men, women, and
children are now carriers of the parasite, while more people become infected
every day. The ravages caused by sleeping sickness have been observed by
mobile health teams in several parts of Zaire, and especially in the
Bandundu area, where the prevalence of this fatal disease is as high as
70% in certain villages. -- WHO Press Release, WHO/73, 7 October 1994
.

Dengue Fever (DF)

Dengue virus infection is increasing throughout the Caribbean. The
occurrence of DF among troops deployed to Haiti highlights the
increasing impact of this disease in the Americas, the need for an
effective vaccine, and the need for increased efforts to control Aedes
aegypti, the mosquito vector of dengue virus. As of November 10,
preliminary laboratory tests of 48 febrile military personnel in Haiti showed
antiflavivirus IgM in 11 and dengue virus in three others. Health-care
providers should consider both DF and malaria in the differential diagnosis
of febrile illnesses in any person who has recently been in any tropical
countries in the Americas. Illness is characterized by abrupt onset of
fever, chills, headache, eye pain, and lower back pain. Common
associated symptoms include myalgia, arthralgia, nausea, vomiting,
anorexia, malaise, and a blanching erythematous rash. Most dengue virus
infections are self-limited and can be treated with bed rest, acetaminophen,
and oral fluids, but a small proportion of patients may develop dengue
hemorrhagic fever (DHF), characterized by fever, thrombocytopenia, and
abnormal capillary permeability; mild or severe hemorrhage can occur. --
From Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1994, 43,
845-848 .

* * *

Grants Available

GrantsNet

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is piloting an on-line
grant information service to serve the general public, grantee organizations,
and government grant-making agencies. This new service, GrantsNet, is a free
public-access computer network for finding and exchanging information about
HHS and other Federal grant programs. Anyone having a personal computer
with internet capability will be able to access GrantsNet. GrantsNet has two
components: (1) an on-line informational reference service using gopher server
technology; and (2) an interactive mailing list service which groups
subscribers with common interests into computer-managed mailing lists for
dialogue and sharing information on the given subject.

GrantsNet will provide a medium for the sharing of ideas, successes,
news, lessons learned, and an archival reference library of grant-related
legislation, regulations, and policies. It will also provide a yellow-page
style directory of granting offices, grants management staff, and grant
program personnel. Fiscal year 1995 will serve as the pilot-testing period
for populating the gopher information service with grant resource data
pertinent to HHS and further developing the interactive mailing list
service.

To be placed on the mailing list for receiving news and updates on
GrantsNet, send your name, organization, mailing address, internet address,
and telephone number to Suzanne M. Neill, sneill@os.dhhs.gov, or Charles Bish,
cbish@os.dhhs.gov.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), in collaboration with the National
Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is interested
in receiving applications to support research to elucidate the molecular and
cellular mechanisms of the menopausal process. This program announcement
addresses age- and menopause-related changes in the pituitary-ovarian axis that
result in the dramatic hormonal changes experienced across the menopausal
transition. These changes lead to the menopause-related increase in
health problems associated with the cardiovascular, skeletal, and
genitourinary systems. The primary focus of this program announcement is on
understanding the biology of the processes involved in the change in
ovarian function across the menopausal transition, using appropriate animal
models, human cells or tissue specimens. To increase the number of
individuals trained to conduct high quality molecular and cellular research
in the combined aging- and reproductive biology-related research areas,
the individual postdoctoral fellowship mechanism is included as eligible for
support in this program announcement.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
(NIDCD) Small Grant Program provides support for pilot research that is
likely to lead to a subsequent individual research project grant or First
Independent Research Support and Transition Award. The research must be
focused on areas within the mission of the NIDCD, that is, hearing,
balance/vestibular, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language. For
information, contact Dr. Judith Cooper, Div. of Communication Sciences and
Disorders, NIDCD, Executive Plaza S., Rm 400-C, 6120 Executive Blvd MSC 7180,
Bethesda, MD 20892-7180 [301-496-5061; FAX: 301-402-6251].

Conservation Biology Grants

The Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund, established by the Roger
Williams Park Zoo and the Rhode Island Zoological Society to help protect
the world's threatened wildlife, each year awards grants of up to $1000 to
individuals or institutions working in conservation biology. Projects and
programs that enhance biodiversity and maintain ecosytems receive the highest
funding priority. Field studies, environmental education programs,
development of techniques that can be used in a natural environment and
captive propagation programs that stress an integrative and/or
multi-disciplinary approach to conservation are also appropriate. Proposals
for single species preservation, initial surveys, or seed money for
technique development are not appropriate. All proposals must be submitted
by May 1, 1995. For detailed information, contact: Dr. Anne Savage,
Director of Research, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Elmwood Ave,
Providence, RI 02905 [401-785-3510; FAX: 401-941-3988; e-mail:
bi599132@brownvm.brown.edu].

Cytokine Effects on Hematopoiesis in AIDS

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) will fund studies
of animal models of AIDS to increase our understanding of clinical
consequences and/or efficacy of hematopoietic factors used in HIV-1 infected
persons. Applications are encouraged which propose studies designed to
better assess the use of hematopoietic factors in HIV-1 infected individuals.
Research approaches could include studies to develop new animal models of
human AIDS to better assess cytokine use in HIV-1 infected persons.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases invites
applications for multiproject center grants from institutions in geographic
areas where tropical infectious diseases are endemic. The TMRC program
makes awards directly to the foreign institutions. TMRCs provide research
facilities for the study of parasitic and other infectious diseases that
disproportionately affect populations living in less developed countries in
tropical and subtropical regions. For information, contact Dr. Michael
Gottlieb, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, Solar
Bldg, Rm 3A12, Bethesda, MD 20892-7630 [301-496-7115; FAX: 301-402-0804;
e-mail: mg35s@nih.gov].

Maternal Antibodies, Infant Immunization

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) invites
applications for basic studies on maternal immunization that will lead to
passive, protective immunization of infants against infectious pathogens.
The applications should present plans for altering the structure of antibody
molecules, either by methods of protein chemistry or manipulation of
antibody-encoding genes, that will (a) improve the efficiency with which
antibody molecules are transported into the fetus via the placenta and/or
into the newborn via breast milk; (b) prolong the metabolic half-lives of
antibodies, both in mother and infant; and/or (c) improve the efficacy of
antibodies to protect the infant from pathogenic microorganisms. Applications
that deal with antibodies against known, critical antigens (those likely to
elicit protective antibodies) of infant pathogens, or propose to identify such
antigens, are of particular interest. For information, contact Joseph F.
Albright, Ph.D., Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, NIAID,
Solar Bldg, Rm 4A25, 6003 Executive Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892-7640
[301-496-1886; FAX: 301-402-2571; e-mail: ja250@nih.gov].

* * *

Erratum: Philippine Exports

We are informed by a reader that the News Brief "Philippine Export Ban"
[Vol. 33, no. 4, p. 13], was not accurate, and that the Philippine
government is committed to long-term support of cynomolgus monkey breeding
programs, although the export of wild-caught primates is indeed banned.

* * *

Meeting Announcements

Medicine & Nutrition of NWPs

The third annual New World Primate Taxon Advisory Group Symposium will be
held Sunday, March 12, 1995, in Louisville, KY in conjunction with the
Midwestern Regional meeting of the Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The
theme of the conference will be the medicine and nutrition of New World
primates during different phases of the life cycle (pregnancy, lactation,
neonatal, and geriatric). Speakers will discuss the basic physiologic changes
as well as management of medical and nutritional diseases that may occur
during each phase. For further information, contact Dr. Peregrine Wolff,
Minnesota Zoological Garden, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 66124
[612-431-9361; FAX: 612-431-9367].

Molecular Anthropology

A conference titled "Molecular Anthropology: Toward a New Evolutionary
Paradigm" will be held March 13-14, 1995 at Wayne State Unversity, Detroit,
MI. The focus will be on advances in the study of molecular evolution that
relate to human species. There will be a session on: DNA Evidence on the
Evolutionary History of Primates and other Mammals. For more information,
contact: Dr. Morris Goodman [313-557-1138], Dr. Gabriel Lasker
[313-577-1061], or Dr. Mark Weiss [313-577-2935; FAX: 313-577-3125; e-mail:
mweiss@cms.cc.wayne.edu].

Neotropical Primate Phylogeny

A symposium on Neotropical Primate Phylogeny will be held 28 March
to 1 April, 1995, in conjunction with the American Association of Physical
Anthropology in Oakland, CA. The focus will be on New World primate
relationships and evolutionary history. For more information, contact Jeff
Meldrum, Depts of Biological Sciences and Anthropology, Campus Box 8007,
Idaho State Univ., Pocatello, ID 93209-8007 [208-236-4379; fax:
208-236-4570; e-mail: meldd@fs.isu.edu].

Animals in Science

Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, is hosting a conference on "Animals
in Science -- Perspectives on their Use, Care and Welfare," April 19-21,
1995. On Saturday (22nd) there will be an "Open Half Day" (9 am to 1 pm) with
short presentations on a range of topics of interest to high school teachers,
students, and interested members of the public, with demonstrations and talks
on why and how animals are used, adjuncts, alternatives, and computer
programs. For a brochure and more information, contact Noel E. Johnston,
Executive Officer -- Animal Ethics, Research Ethics Unit, Monash Univ.,
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia [+61 3 905 3037; FAX: +61 3 905
3866; e-mail: noel.johnston@adm. monash.edu.au]

Well-being in Zoos and Aquaria

The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare will present an international
conference May 8-9, 1995, in New Orleans, on "The Well-being of Animal Research
Models in Zoos and Aquaria." The American Veterinary Medical Association will
co-sponsor the conference. General sessions will include: How are research
concerns different in zoos and aquaria? Ethical dilemmas for conservation
research; Trends in environmental enrichment; The role of the Institutional
Animal Care and Use Committee at zoos and aquaria. For more information,
contact SCAW, 7833 Walker Dr., Suite 340, Greenbelt, MD 20770
[301-345-3500; FAX: 301-345-3503].

Jean Piaget Society

The Jean Piaget Society will hold their 25th Symposium June 1-3, 1995 at
the Marriott Hotel, Berkeley, CA. The theme will be "Piaget, Evolution and
Development," and the focus will be on comparative cross-species
perspectives on child development. Several prominent primatologists will be
featured. For information, contact Henry Markovits, Departement de
psychologie, Universite du Quebec a Montreal, C.P. 8888, succ. "A",
Montreal, Quebec H3C 3P8, Canada [e-mail: markovits.henry@uqam.ca].

Change in Madagascar

The Field Museum will convene a three-day scientific meeting entitled
"Natural and Human-Induced Change in Madagascar" on June 2-4, 1995 in
Chicago. The inter-disciplinary program will be a complement to the
symposium "Biogeography of Madagascar" to be held by the Societe de
Biogeographie in Paris in September 1995. The Chicago meeting will consist
of presentations to the general public, invited technical presentations,
scientific workshops, and contributed poster presentations organized around
geological, anthropological, biological, and resource
management/conservation themes. Invited speakers will include leading
French, Malagasy and American researchers. For more information, contact B.
D. Patterson, Center for Evolutionary & Environmental Biology, The
Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605-2496 [312-922-9410 ext 468] or S. M.
Goodman, B.P. 738, WWF Aires Protegees, Antananarivo (101), Madagascar [FAX
261-2-348-88].

The Columbus Zoo is hosting a conference titled "Zoos: Committing
to Conservation," on July 13-16, 1995. The objectives are to * motivate and
assist zoos not yet involved in in-situ conservation; * use existing projects
as examples of how a commitment to conservation is in the best interest of
all zoological institutions; * increase networking among zoos, small
NGOs, large conservation organizations, academicians, and field researchers.
Registration, including social events and some meals, will cost $115 until
June 1, $140 thereafter. To register or submit abstracts, or for more
information, contact The Columbus Zoo/CC, P.O. Box 1407, Powell, OH
43065-1407 [614-645-3400; FAX: 614-645-3465].

The Fourth National Symposium on Biosafety, "Working Safely with Research
Animals" will be held January 28-31, 1996, in Atlanta, GA. The Symposium is
sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIH's Office for
Protection from Research Risks, the American Biological Safety Assoc., and
Emory Univ. School of Medicine and Yerkes Primate Center, in association
with Morehouse School of Medicine Microbiology Dept, Merck & Co., USDA
Agricultural Research Service, and AAALAC. There will be sessions on "Biohazard
Control in Animal Research," "Chemical and Physical Hazards in Animal
Research," "Rudiments of Biosafety practice in Animal Care," and "Effective
Management in Animal Research." On January 27-28 there will be pre-
symposium workshops: "Animal Care Technicians' Training Program," "Animal
Biosafety Levels 1-4: An Overview," and "SOP Writing Workshop." To
receive future mailings, send your name and mailing address to CDC, Office
of Health and Safety, Atlanta, GA 30333 [FAX: 404-639-2294].

* * *

Recent Books and Articles

(Addresses are those of first authors)

Books

* Discovery of the Fourth Dimension: Mental Time Travel & Human
Evolution . T. Suddendorf. Master's thesis, University of Waikato, New
Zealand. Auckland: T. Suddendorf, 1994. 125 + vii pp. . .
The author attempts to define differences between humans and other animals,
concluding that "humans are the only species that can change and destroy the
Earth and the only species that can experience the moral responsibility to
do something about it."

*Combination protocols of cytokine therapy with interleukin-3 and
granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in a primate model of
radiation-induced marrow aplasia. Farese, A. M., Williams, D. E., Seiler,
F. R., & MacVittie, T. J. (EXH, Armed Forces Radiobiology Res. Inst., 8901
Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20889-5603). Blood, 1993, 82,
3012-3018. . .
Following radiation-induced marrow aplasia, coadministration of
interleukin-3 (IL-3) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
(GM-CSF) reduced the average 16-day period of neutropenia and antibiotic
support in control animals to 6 days, while the average 10-day period of
severe thrombocytopenia was reduced to 3 days. Sequential administration
of IL-3 followed by GM-CSF had no greater effect on neutrophil production
than GM-CSF alone and was less effective than IL-3 alone in reducing
thrombocytopenia. Neutrophil function was enhanced in all cytokine-treated
animals.

*Endometriosis in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) following chronic
exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Rier, S. E., Martin, D. C.,
Bowman, R. E., Dmowski, W. P., & Becker, J. L. (Dept of Med.
Microbiology & Immunology, Univ. of S. Florida College of Med., Tampa, FL
33612). Fundamental and Applied Toxicology, 1993, 21,
433-441. . .
Animals in a study of the long-term reproductive effects of exposure to
dioxin were examined, along with autopsy records of those that had died.
Forty-three percent of animals exposed to 5 ppt dioxin from 1977 to 1982, and
71% of those exposed to 25 ppt dioxin had moderate to severe endometriosis, in
contrast to 33% in a control group and 30% overall prevalence in a large
colony.

*Cryptosporidiosis of liver and pancreas in rhesus monkeys with experimental
SIV infection. Kaup, F.-J., Kuhn, E.-M., Makoschey, B., & Hunsmann, G.
(Exper. Pathology, German Primate Center (DPZ), Kellnerweg 4, D-3400
Gottingen, Germany). Journal of Medical Primatology, 1994, 23,
304-308. . .
Five of 11 experimentally infected animals had severe alterations of the
hepatobiliary tree, three of which were associated with the presence of
numerous Cryptosporidium spp. The rate of Cryptosporidium
infection, together with hepatic and pancreatic involvement, supports the
hypothesis that systemic cryptosporidiosis is the result of a loss of
protective mucosal immunity.

*Histochemical and immunohistochemical similarities between hepatic tumors
in two chimpanzees and man. Tabor, E., Hsia, C. C., & Muchmore, E. (NCI,
NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892). Journal of Medical Primatology, 1994,
23, 271-279. . .
A well-differentiated trabecular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and a
well-differentiated tumor resembling HCC from each of two chimpanzees were
found to have histochemical and immunohistochemical staining characteristics
similar to those in human HCCs. Hepatic tumors are rare in chimpanzees,
but their similarities to human HCC provides a useful research model.

*A review of studies of the activation of the blood coagulation mechanism in
chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). ten Cate, H., Schenk, B. E., Biemond, B.
J., Levi, M., van der Poll, T., Buller, H. R., & ten Cate, J. W. (Center
for Hemostasis, Thrombosis, Atherosclerosis & Inflammation Research,
F4-219, Acad. Med. Ctr, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands).
Journal of Medical Primatology, 1994, 23, 280-284. . .
Data indicate that the chimpanzee is a suitable primate for studying
hemostatic reaction processes in vivo. This model is very relevant for
analyzing potential therapeutic interventions as to their mechanism of
action. However, the dosages and substances have to be carefully selected in
order not to cause any permanent harm. This model is not suitable for toxicity
studies, which should be restricted to lower animals.

*Social rearing effects on HPA axis activity over early development and in
response to stress in rhesus monkeys. Clarke, A. S. (Harlow Primate Lab.,
Univ. of Wisconsin, 22 N. Charter St, Madison, WI 53711).
Developmental Psychobiology, 1993, 26, 433-446. . .
HPA axis activity was assessed via measurement of ACTH and cortisol values
over the first 6 months of life and in response to two stressful housing
transitions in 48 infant rhesus monkeys that were either mother- or
peer-reared. Peer-reared monkeys showed lower levels of ACTH over the first
6 months of life than mother-reared, but the groups did not differ in basal
cortisol values. Mother-reared animals showed a greater ACTH response to
caging changes.

*Do chimpanzees cooperate in a learning task? Chalmeau, R. (Centre de
Recherche Biol. du Comportement, UPS, 118, Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse
cedex, France). Primates, 1994, 35, 385-392. . .
A machine was constructed which required two chimpanzees to pull handles
simultaneously to make a fruit fall into the cage. The dominant male and an
infant in a group of 6 captive chimps produced most of the operant responses,
and the male got nearly all the fruits. Social influences appear to limit
the possibility of cooperation between individuals because a certain level
of interindividual tolerance is required.

*The social grooming of captive female rhesus monkeys: Effects of the births
of their infants. Martel, F. L., Nevison, C. M., Rayment, F. D. G., &
Simpson, M. J. A. (Univ. of Cambridge, Sub-Dept of Animal Behaviour, High St,
Madingley, Cambridge CB3 8AA, U.K.). International Journal of
Primatology, 1994, 15, 555-572. . .
Analysis of observations of 13 female rhesus monkeys, before and for 12
weeks after the births of their infants. "The birth of an infant must
affect maternal grooming through the physiological changes in her and through
its effect on her relationships with her social companions." Some factors
are highlighted that must be controlled or allowed for if there is to be more
focused testing of particular views on the causation of grooming after the
birth of an infant.

*Pygmy marmosets, Cebuella pygmaea, modify vocal structure in
response to changed social environment. Elowson, A. M. & Snowdon, C. T.
(Dept of Psychology, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706). Animal
Behaviour, 1994, 47, 1267-1277. . .
Monkeys in four age categories (infant, juvenile, subadult, and adult)
from two separate groups were studied for 9 weeks in their
original groups, for the first 4 weeks after being placed in the same colony
room (but in separate cages), and 6-10 weeks after contact. Analysis of
changes in calls suggest greater vocal plasticity across age ranges than has
been hitherto described for a nonhuman primate, and suggest the importance of
social factors in vocal architecture.

*A perspective on behavioral studies in aged monkeys. Zola-Morgan, S. (Dept of
Psychiatry, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093). Neurobiology of Aging,
1993, 14, 647-648. . .
A fundamental understanding of the neurobiological foundations of aging
may lead to better diagnosis and treatment and prevention of the cognitive
decline that is associated with aging in humans.

*Behavioral changes in aged rhesus monkeys. Bachevalier, J. (Univ. of Texas
Med. School, Houston, TX 77225). Neurobiology of Aging, 1993,
14, 619-621. . .
Studies indicate that behavioral decline with age occurs in a variety of
abilities, although performance on some tasks remains intact even in the
oldest animals. Findings suggest that the losses observed are in the
particular ability being measured and are not simply the reflection of an
amotivational state or of a total deterioration of behavior. Some cerebral
systems are compromised by aging earlier than others, and different animals
have different patterns of cerebral involvement.

*Spatial selection in captive adult female chimpanzees. Bettinger, T., Wallis,
J., & Carter, T. (Tulsa Zool. Park, 5701 E. 36th St No., Tulsa, OK
74115). Zoo Biology, 1994, 13, 167-176. . .
Pairwise comparisons of four adult females at the Tulsa Zoo showed that
they used their island habitat differently from one another with the exception
of one pair. That pair separated their use temporally, reducing the amount of
time spent in close proximity to one another.

*The concept and definition of dominance in animal behaviour. Drews, C.
(Abt. Wickler, Max-Planck-Inst. fur Verhaltensphys., 82319 Seewiesen,
Germany). Behaviour, 1993, 125, 283-313. . .
Thirteen definitions of dominance are reviewed, and their usefulness
assessed with respect to their descriptive value. The discussion includes
reference to the heritability of dominance, application of dominance to
groups rather than individuals, and the role of individual recognition and
memory during agonistic encounters.

*Psychological warfare and the management of relationships between male
baboons (Papio cynocephalus). Drews, C. (Address same as above).
Doctoral Dissertation, Cambridge: University of Cambridge, 1993. . .
Free-ranging baboons were observed in Tanzania for a total of 1413 hours
over 16 months. It is suggested that the main function of relationship
management in males is to reduce the risk of combat, with possibly fatal
results, in subsequent encounters.

*Promoting increased foraging behavior in caged stump-tailed macaques.
Reinhardt, V. (4605 Crescent Rd, Madison, WI 53711). Folia
Primatologica, 1993, 61, 47-51. . .
Moving food boxes away from the access holes so that the animals had to
work to get biscuits through the cage mesh resulted in a 69-fold
increase in average time the animals engaged in food-retrieving
activities, with no decline in animals' weight or health.

*Computer-task testing of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in the
social milieu. Washburn, D. A., Harper, S., & Rumbaugh, D. M. (Dept of
Psychology, Georgia State Univ., University Plaza, Atlanta, GA
30303-3083). Primates, 1994, 35, 343-351. . .
Computer task activity was offered to pair-housed animals that had
previously been tested only in their single-animal home cages. No differences
were observed in productivity or performance levels as a function of
housing, even when the animals were required to "self-identify" prior to
performing each trial. The data indicate that cognitive challenge and control
are as preferred by the animals as social opportunities.

*Influence of regional crossbreeding between rhesus macaques on the rate of
weight gain of their offspring. Smith, D. G. (California RPRC, Univ. of
California, Davis, CA 95616). Zoo Biology, 1994, 13,
277-284. . .
Both male and female Chinese/Indian rhesus hybrids exhibited statistically
significantly higher rates of weight gain than their nonhybrid peers before,
but not after, age 4. No evidence could be found that either hybrid status or
rate of weight gain increases fitness, at least under captive conditions.

*Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter restricting the
release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone before the onset of puberty.
Mitsushima, D., Hei, D. L., & Terasawa, E. (E. T., Wisconsin RPRC, 1223
Capitol Ct, Madison, WI 53715). Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, USA, 1994, 91, 395-399. . .
The hypothesis that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a role in the
tonic inhibition of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) release
before the onset of puberty in female rhesus monkeys was tested. Low
levels of LHRH release in the prepubertal period appear to be due to the
dominant inhibitory mechanism of GABA, mediated by the GABAA receptor, and
that removal of this inhibition may trigger an increase in LHRH release and
the onset of puberty.

*Serologic evidence of infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus,
the agent of callitrichid hepatitis, in primates in zoos, primate research
centers, and a natural reserve. Scanga, C. A., Holmes, K. V., & Montali,
R. J. (Dept of Pathology, Nat. Zool. Park, Washington, DC 20008).
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 1993, 24, 469-474. . .
Data from immunoassay of callitrichids and other nonhuman primates in 31
zoos and animal parks, 6 primate research centers, and a wild golden lion
tamarin reserve in Brazil indicate that Callitrichidae are highly susceptible
to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, often resulting in
fatal hepatitis. The common practice of feeding neonatal mice to nonhuman
primates should be discontinued, and wild mice should be eradicated from
cages housing callitrichids becuase of the risk that the mice may have
inapparent LCMV infections.

*Malaria in macaques. Fooden, J. (Div. of Mammals, Field Museum of Nat.
History, Roosevelt Rd at Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605).
International Journal of Primatology, 1994, 15, 573-596. . .
A review of the geographical factors, hosts, and vectors affecting the
seven species of malaria which naturally infect eight species of macaques,
and of experimental infections.

*Effects of sex, age, puncture site, and blood contamination on the clinical
chemistry of cerebrospinal fluid in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).
Smith, M. O. & Lackner, A. A. (Dept of Clinical Sciences, College of Vet.
Med. & Biomed. Sciences, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO 80523).
American Journal of Veterinary Research, 1993, 54, 1845-1850. . .
Animal age and sex had no significant effects on CSF composition, but
serum IgG concentration increased with age. Concentrations of total
protein, albumin, and IgG were greater, and concentrations of glucose and
potassium were lower in CSF obtained from the lumbar rather than the
cisternal site.

*Technologic advances in the imaging of ovarian morphology and their roles in
ascertaining follicular growth and development in the rhesus monkey. Hutz, R.
J. (Dept of Bio. Sciences, Univ. of Wisconsin, Lapham Hall, Rm 314, 3209 N.
Maryland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413). International Journal of
Primatology, 1994, 15, 629-637. . .
Noninvasive ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and receptor
imaging have replaced invasive laparotomy and laparoscopy in investigating
nonhuman primate ovaries. As computed axial tomography, positron-emission
tomography, and electron spin resonance become less expensive, they will be
used, to good effect, with greater frequency.

*Cellular and soluble CD4 measurements in cynomolgus monkeys. Evans, G. O.
& Fagg, R. (Drug Safety Evaluation, Wellcome Res. Labs, Beckenham, Kent
BR3 3BS, UK). Experimental Animals, 1994, 43, 499-502. . .
Anti-human CD4 monoclonal antibodies have been successfully used to label
T-lymphocytes in cynomolgus monkeys by two different methods. A magnetizable
bead separation was used prior to immunogold labelling of lymphocytes in one
of the methods; an assay for soluble CD4 was applied to the animals' sera
in the other.

*Laminar analysis of the number of neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and
microglia in the visual cortex (area 17) of 6- and 12-month-old rhesus monkeys
fed a human infant soy-protein formula with or without taurine
supplementation from birth. Palackal, T., Neuringer, M., & Sturman, J.
(J. S., Dept of Developmental Biochemistry, NY State Inst. for Basic Research
in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Rd, Staten Island, NY 10314).
Developmental Neuroscience, 1993, 15, 54-67. . .
There was no difference in any measure of neurons between the
taurine-fed and the taurine-free groups, but there were several differences
in the measures of glial cells. Monkeys fed the taurine-free formula for 6
months, then the taurine-supplemented formula for 6 months, had a number of
differences from both other groups in measures of both neurons and glial
cells.

*Social status and coronary artery atherosclerosis in female monkeys. Shively,
C. A. & Clarkson, T. B. (Dept of Comp. Med., Bowman Gray School of
Med., Wake Forest Univ., Med. Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1040).
Arteriosclerosis and Thrombosis, 1994, 14, 721-726. . .
Adult female cynomolgus monkeys were fed an atherogenic diet and housed
in small social groups. Social status was altered in half the animals by
combining dominant animals, and subordinate animals in new groups. All
animals that changed social positions had worsened coronary artery
atherosclerosis whether they became dominant or subordinate, and this effect
was independent of ovarian function. Manipulation of social status may
have deleteriously altered a complex interaction between individuals and
their psychosocial environment.

*Remodeling of coronary arteries in human and nonhuman primates.
Clarkson, T. B., Prichard, R. W., Morgan, T. M., Petrick, G. S., &
Klein, K. P. (Address same as above). Journal of the American Medical
Association, 1994, 271, 289-294. . .
The similarity of remodeling (compensatory enlargement) in human and
nonhuman primates suggests that the process has general biologic
significance. Lack of remodeling may be a major determinant of whether a person
with coronary artery atherosclerosis develops its complications.

*The age of biosenescence and the incidence of cerebral beta-amyloidosis
in aged captive rhesus monkeys. Uno, H. & Walker, L. C. (Wisconsin RPRC,
1223 Capitol Ct, Madison, WI 53715-1299). Annals of the New York Academy
of Sciences, 1993, 695, 232-235. . .
A 12-year longitudinal study reveals the age of biosenescence in captive
rhesus monkeys begins around 25 years, and the maximum longevity is 36 years.
In 186 autopsies of monkeys aged 20 to 36 years, cerebral beta-amyloidosis
associated with plaque formation and cerebral angiopathy was observed in 51
brains. As in aged human brains, the incidence of age-dependent cerebral
beta-amyloidosis showed great individual variation.

*Age-related changes in monkey and rodent neurochemistry. Wenk, G. L. (Div. of
Neural Systems, Memory & Aging, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724).
Neurobiology of Aging, 1993, 14, 689-690. . .
Aged rats and aged monkeys show similar changes, particularly for the
cholinergic and glutamatergic systems. The changes are fairly restrictive;
they may underlie some of the behavioral changes, or they may be a consequence
of some of the pathologic changes such as cell loss or plaques.

*Adolescent exaggeration in female catarrhine primates. Anderson, C. M. &
Bielert, C. F. (Dept of Anthropology, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY 13820).
Primates, 1994, 35, 283-300. . .
Adolescent females of 11 primate species display exaggerated versions of
the cues to sexual cycle state or fertility which are displayed by adult
females. These cases are described and a variety of hypotheses is presented
and evaluated to account for the exaggeration.

*Behavioural and genital sequelae of a combined oral contraceptive in
chimpanzees. Nadler, R. D., Dahl, J. F., Collins, D. C., & Gould, K. G.
(Address same as above). In C. S. Bambra (Ed.), Proceedings of the Second
International NCRR Conference on 'Advances in Reproductive Research in Man
and Animals (pp. 69-76)'. Nairobi: Inst. of Primate Research & Natl
Museums of Kenya, 1994. . .
Test data suggest that although oral contraceptives had a generally adverse
effect on female genital tissues and copulation, it was the social and
sexual relationship of the pair which ultimately determined the behavioral
response to the contraceptives.

*Postpartum anovulation in non-nursing monkeys: Hypothalamic-
pituitary-ovarian refractoriness is not induced by the milieu of early
pregnancy. Gordon, K. & Williams, R. F. (R. F. W., Jones Inst. for
Reproductive Med., Dept of Obstetrics & Gynocology, Eastern Virginia Med.
School, 601 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507). Journal of Medical
Primatology, 1994, 23, 8-15. . .
Pregnancies of rhesus monkeys were terminated on either day 35 of
gestation or near term at 162 days. Non-nursing mothers with gestations
interrupted near term resumed ovulation at a mean of 56 +/- 12 days
postpartum, in contrast to the 17 +/- 2 days required for females having had
abortions at day 35. These results demonstrate that the early pregnancy
milieu is not determinant of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian
refractoriness observed in non-nursing mothers delivering at term.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

In many cases, the original source of references in this section has been
the Current Primate References prepared by The Primate Information Center,
Regional Primate Research Center SJ-50, University of Washington, Seattle,
WA 98l95. Because of this excellent source of references, the present
section is devoted primarily to presentation of abstracts of articles of
practical or of general interest.